The Edward Show

E880: Does adding GPS coordinates to your photos actually boost your Google Business Profile rankings? For years, SEOs have debated whether geotagging image EXIF data helps with local SEO. Some claim it improves visibility in local map results, while others argue it's a waste of time. We dive into a controlled 10-week study across 27 local business locations, where all other SEO efforts were paused just to isolate the effects of geotagging. Each week, two images per business were uploaded with different town coordinates embedded. The study tracked performance across seven ranking metrics - covering both "near me" and city-based queries - to determine if Google uses that image metadata as a ranking signal. The results? Surprising. While geotagged images showed minor improvements for "near me" searches in very specific areas, rankings actually dropped for searches that included the target city name. For most businesses, the impact was neutral or negative. Here's what we cover: - Does EXIF geotagging actually affect local rankings? - Why "near me" queries showed slight gains - but city + service searches declined - How adding targeted coordinates hurt broader service area visibility - Risks of flooding profiles with low-quality, SEO-only images - Why some agencies are dropping geotagging altogether - What local SEO tactics actually make a difference in 2025 ⭐️ Source: https://searchengineland.com/geotagging-photos-google-business-profile-rank-453525 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction: Does Geotagging Photos Affect SEO? 00:07 Study Overview: Geotagging and Google Business Profile Rank 00:35 Near Me vs. City-Based Rankings 01:20 Skepticism and Previous Tests 03:18 The 10-Week Study: Methodology 05:05 Findings: Impact of Geotagging 07:17 Conclusion: Should You Geotag? 08:34 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #localseo #googlebusinessprofileoptimization #searchengineoptimization #geotaggingseo

E879: I break down one of the most powerful lessons from the last decade of SEO - why shortcut tactics (including AI spam, auto-posting, link networks, and churn-and-burn SEO hacks) may work briefly but ultimately destroy long-term results. We talk: - The 2012 Penguin update and how it nuked overnight success - AI-generated spam content, backlink schemes, and what's happening now - Why you cannot outsmart Google's detection teams - The dangers of chasing short-term wins vs. the power of consistent, white-hat strategy - How to focus, commit, and build a real business that compounds over years - Real-world examples from founders, including my conversation with Julian Goldie - The "pick one thing and stick with it for 10 years" lesson that could change your trajectory Key takeaway: Stop jumping from tactic to tactic. Stop trying to outsmart algorithms. Focus on sustainable practices, bottom-of-funnel keywords, and long-term commitment. That's how you win. ⭐️ The 𝕏 Post - https://x.com/ecomtryggvi/status/1994095261837152502 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcement 00:13 The Rise and Fall of SEO Tactics 01:50 Lessons from a Young Entrepreneur 03:49 The Long Game in SEO 04:10 Julian Goldie's Experience 06:59 Commit to Sustainable Practices 08:53 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #googlecoreupdate #inboundmarketing #marketingfunnel

E878: I break down the 6 critical steps of SEO in the exact order you must follow to avoid wasting time and resources. Most people get SEO backwards, which leads to frustration and stalled growth. Follow this sequence to maximize effectiveness, improve rankings, and drive real results. What you'll learn: - Why starting with "offensive SEO" (creating pages to rank) is often a huge mistake. - The critical role of "Defensive SEO" and how to set your technical foundation first. - How to properly clean up and structure your site to make it easy for crawlers to understand. - The strategic reason why offensive SEO and link building must be done in tandem, not separately. - When reputation management becomes a worthwhile investment for your brand. - Why holistic SEO (improving all your marketing channels) acts as a powerful final boost. The 6-Step Prioritized SEO Framework: 1. Technical SEO: The fundamental "Defensive SEO" checks (speed, rendering, indexing). 2. Clean Site: Structuring your site for easy crawling (link depth, removing thin pages). 3. Offensive SEO: Creating pages to rank for non-branded, high-intent keywords. 4. Link Building: Consistently building backlinks to support new and existing pages. 5. Reputation Management: Building trust and credibility when customers are deciding on your brand. 6. Holistic SEO: Improving your entire marketing ecosystem (social, videos, ads) to boost all efforts. To go deeper into these strategies: 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction: The SEO Mistake Most People Make 00:30 Step 1: Technical SEO - The Foundation 01:57 Step 2: Cleaning Up Your Site 02:59 Steps 3 & 4: Offensive SEO and Link Building 05:22 Step 5: Reputation Management 06:47 Step 6: Holistic SEO 08:17 Personal Reflections 09:27 The Secret to Consistency 10:05 Closing Remarks The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing #inboundmarketing #generativeengineoptimization

E877: I break down the SEO and AI tactics that are likely to get penalized by Google and AI systems in 2026 - and the single strategy that will dominate results. I cover why mass AI-generated content, entity stuffing, and careless Reddit parasite plays are headed for major pushback, and why external topical relevance and reputation-driven branded content across multiple platforms will become essential. I also explain how SEO copywriters powered by AI will shape winning strategies next year. Tune in to understand what to avoid, what to double down on, and how to future-proof your brand's visibility. What you'll learn: - Why unchecked mass AI-generated content will be heavily targeted - How robotic, entity-stuffed writing hurts engagement and rankings - Why Reddit parasite SEO will become harder to exploit - The increasing importance of external topical relevance - How reputation management is becoming core to SEO - Why unlinked brand mentions across multiple platforms will influence AI - The rise of SEO copywriters who deeply understand brand and leverage AI effectively - Where entity inclusion may actually work when applied strategically offsite 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction to 2026 SEO and AI Predictions 00:40 AI-Generated Spam: The Biggest Threat 01:46 Robotic Text and Its Pitfalls 02:25 Reddit's Role in SEO and AI 04:04 Critical Topical Relevance 05:02 Top SEO and AI Tactic for 2026 07:34 Conclusion The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #answerengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E876: Gemini 3 just changed the game. Edward and Gagan Ghotra break down how Google's new Gemini 3 model is fundamentally transforming SEO, AI search behavior, and buyer journeys. From massive query fan-outs (12–15 deep) to dynamic AI-generated search interfaces, product listings inside Gemini, AI-driven image creation grounded in live Google data, and the potential death of schema as we know it - this is a must-listen for any marketer, founder, or SEO professional. Biggest takeaway: In 2026 and beyond, brands that deluge the internet with accurate, long-term, strategically-written content about themselves will win. SEO copywriters - not AI alone - will be more critical than ever. What You'll Learn - Why Gemini 3 now uses up to 15 query fan-outs and how that changes citation visibility - How AI overviews and AI mode are now powered entirely by Gemini 3 - Why showing up in AI-generated responses requires brand reputation skills - How SEO strategy must prioritize branded content, not just keywords - Why schema may become obsolete as Gemini dynamically generates search UI features - How 650M Gemini users are now shown product listings directly in chat - Why visual, interactive AI planning will change customer expectations - The rise of AI filmmaking, AI-native landing experiences, and dynamic buyer journeys Key Concepts Discussed - Gemini 3 vs ChatGPT query behavior - AI-driven UI experiences in Google search - Reputation management tied directly into LLM answers - The role of AI in content creation (and why humans still matter) - SEO for AI vs SEO for traditional search - Markdown-based website models for future AI scraping Who This Episode Is For - SEO strategists & digital marketers - SaaS founders & DTC brand owners - Copywriters & AI consultants - Anyone looking to compete in AI search environments ⭐️ Gagan Ghotra on 𝕏 - https://x.com/gaganghotra_ ⭐️ Gagan Ghotra on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagan-ghotra/ ⭐️ Gagan Ghotra's website - https://gaganghotra.com/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Exploring Gemini 3's Capabilities 01:01 Visual Layout Feature Demonstration 01:58 SEO Strategy 09:16 Gemini 3's Impact on AI Mode and AI Overviews 15:10 Reputation Management and SEO 24:49 The Future of Schema in AI Mode 25:40 Dynamic Generative UIs and Schema 26:26 User Experience and Visual Reviews 27:57 SEO Strategies and User Behavior 33:00 Gemini 3 and Product Listings 35:34 Nano Banana Pro and AI Integration 40:10 AI Bubble and Future Prospects 44:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing #reputationmanagement #gemini3

E875: Everyone says "just make good content" - but what does that actually mean? I break down the uncomfortable but insanely effective method for creating SEO content that gets clicked, consumed, and converts. The key: go back to content you created over four months ago and review it with fresh eyes. It's not easy, but it's one of the most reliable ways to find gaps, improve engagement, and outperform competitors. You'll learn: - How to evaluate old content using a simple checklist - Why giving the answer immediately beats writing a "hook" - The dangers of generic writing, long paragraphs, and awkward keyword targeting - How real experience, social proof, and cited sources drive EEAT - A practical example of someone ranking #1 by simply realizing their content "wasn't very good" - and fixing it Plus, I share quick tactical tips to avoid common SEO writing mistakes and how to predict what visitors want next so they don't bounce. If you want content that ranks and leads to conversions, this episode is a must-listen. ⭐️ F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content (Original Study) - https://www.nngroup.com/articles/f-shaped-pattern-reading-web-content-discovered/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction: The Key to Effective SEO Content 00:22 Revisiting Old Content for Fresh Insights 01:26 Evaluating Content with the EEAT Framework 02:38 A Real-Life SEO Success Story 04:45 Common SEO Writing Mistakes to Avoid 06:23 Advanced Tips for Topically Relevant Content 07:15 Ensuring Content Quality and Engagement 08:50 Conclusion: The Path to SEO Success The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #seowriting #copywriting #digitalmarketing

E874: Nick Eubanks (Vice President of Owned Media at Semrush) joins the pod to break down what businesses need to do right now to win in AI search - and why most companies are still using outdated playbooks while AI-driven discovery is moving faster than ever. We cover: - How AI visibility differs from SEO, and why traditional ranking factors like backlinks don't always apply in LLM results - Evidence clusters vs. keyword clusters - and how over-indexing on factual citations can increase your chances of being surfaced and referenced by AI - The process Semrush used to almost triple their AI share of voice, including how they selected target prompts and injected semantic signals into existing content - Reddit strategy for AI influence, and why asking thoughtful questions (not inserting links) can drive brand advocacy organically - Insights from Nick's 4-month experiment publishing 20+ AI posts per week, without editing, backlinks, or authority - yet still getting recommended word-for-word by ChatGPT - How AI models find and cite your content, even if it isn't ranking or indexed traditionally - What type of content formats LLMs prefer (hint: clear, atomic, direct, evidence-backed, low metaphor use) - The shift from SEO to "Search Everywhere Optimization", covering Google, ChatGPT, Reddit, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other platforms that LLMs crawl - Predictions for the future of search in 2026, including AI mode potentially becoming the default experience in Google, and how companies must adapt before that tipping point - Where AI spam tactics are working again temporarily - and how enterprises balance short-term wins with long-term strategy - How Semrush is rethinking content lifecycle, team structure, and platform-specific distribution at scale Nick also shares how AI visibility can convert 4–5× higher than Google Organic, why certain LLM traffic is "hot garbage" depending on audience sophistication, and how fresher content, semantically rich topics, and high-signal platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn are often prioritized in AI responses. ⭐️ Nick Eubanks on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickeubanks/ ⭐️ Nick Eubanks on 𝕏 - https://x.com/nick_eubanks ⭐️ Semrush - https://www.semrush.com/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:12 Experiments with AI Content 08:54 AI Visibility and SEO Strategies 21:25 Future of AI in Search and Marketing 28:34 Navigating the Challenges of Social Media Platforms 29:20 Repurposing Content Across Platforms 30:26 Reddit Strategies for Brands 34:50 Semrush's AI Share of Voice Strategy 51:05 Link Building 52:13 Future of Websites and Authority Signals 52:32 Using LinkedIn for SEO and Business 55:08 Closing Remarks The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #generativeengineoptimization #answerengineoptimization #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E873: I break down the top link building strategies shared by professionals in a high-performing SEO subreddit thread. These are real-world approaches that marketers are using right now to acquire backlinks - ranging from guest posts and Source of Source to outreach to networking, sponsorships, press releases, and linkable assets. You'll learn: - Why broken link building still works (when done manually) - How to leverage link exchanges the right way - Guest post outreach tactics that scale - Sponsoring local events for both backlinks and brand lift - Using HARO/Qwoted for media mentions - Creating linkable asset content that attracts links - Building community relationships that naturally earn backlinks - Bonus strategies: .Edu links, PBNs, buying links carefully, and more I also share stories from photographers, local business owners, and marketers who've turned creative outreach into high-authority backlinks - including features in top publications like the New York Times and Forbes. If you want backlink tactics that double as genuine marketing, this episode is for you. ⭐️ The thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1ooajvf/how_do_you_actually_acquire_backlinks/?sort=top 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Detailed Link Building Techniques 02:02 Networking and Outreach 03:31 Advanced Link Building Tips 07:09 Community and Genuine Connections 08:14 Success Stories The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #linkbuilding #backlinks #searchengineoptimization #seotips

E872: Most "experts" say SEO takes 12 months to work. Sarvesh Shrivastava, today's guest, shows that for local businesses, that's flat-out wrong. With the right structure, foundation, and targeting, you can realistically hit $100K/month in under 90 days using SEO - but almost everyone gets the strategy completely wrong. Here's what you'll learn: - Why 90% of local businesses focus on the wrong things - The "money page" formula that prints revenue - How to optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum lead flow - Real images vs. AI/stock (and why using AI photos may kill trust) - How to structure your site for topical authority (homepage → services → blogs → services) - The internal linking trick that skyrocketed rankings in 7 days - How to build high-impact backlinks (and why most are a waste) - The right way to scale SEO across neighborhoods without triggering Google's doorway page penalties - Why AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI mode pull directly from your GBP If you're a local business owner, marketing manager, or SEO aiming for aggressive growth… this episode shows you the fastest legitimate way to scale. ⭐️ Sarvesh Shrivastava on 𝕏 - https://x.com/bloggersarvesh ⭐️ Sarvesh Shrivastava on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarvesh-shrivastava-blogger/ ⭐️ Sarvesh Shrivastava on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/seowithsarvesh/ ⭐️ Sarvesh Shrivastava on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bloggersarvesh ⭐️ Sarvesh Shrivastava's agency, Alventra Marketing - https://alventramarketing.com/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Debunking SEO Myths: Fast Tracking Local Business Success 01:50 SEO Strategies for Local vs. SaaS Businesses 03:55 Optimizing Your Google Business Profile for Maximum Impact 05:12 The Importance of Authenticity in Business Profiles 07:07 Using Reviews and Keywords for SEO 10:30 Creating Effective Local SEO Pages 35:59 Avoiding SEO Pitfalls: Doorway Pages and Duplicate Content 42:42 Specific Money Pages 43:10 Learning from SaaS and E-commerce Giants 44:55 Creating Niche Money Pages for SaaS 47:07 SEO Strategies for Local and Niche Markets 50:13 Writing Localized Content for Better Engagement 56:15 Internal Linking 01:08:59 Technical SEO Audits: The Foundation of Success 01:13:55 Effective Link Building Strategies 01:21:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #localseo #searchengineoptimization #googlebusinessprofileoptimization #linkbuilding

E871: SEO legend David Quaid is back with a high-value breakdown of the most powerful free SEO tools - including several hidden features inside Bing Webmaster Tools that most marketers completely overlook. Whether you're running your own site, starting SEO from scratch, or debating whether you need to invest in paid tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz - this episode shows you how to extract real results without spending a cent. What you'll get: - Using Bing Webmaster Tools through Google Search Console login with no setup - Microsoft Clarity for behavior tracking and heatmaps - SEO Site Scan for quick technical checks - Backlink Monitor for authority and index validation - Keyword Research inside Bing - Why backlinks drive indexing and authority - How to see which backlinks truly count - Ranking fast and getting indexed in under 24 hours - Why SEO doesn't need to take 6 months - Topical authority and query fan-outs explained - Example of ranking for "free backlink checker" using a YouTube Short 🏆 David Quaid Episode 1 - The SEO Playbook That Actually Works: PageRank, Topical Authority & Real Results - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eK5-TpaiPw&t=36s 🏆 David Quaid Episode 2 - AI & LLM Visibility: A Practical Guide for Ranking in AI Results - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXR1HvUU1kI ⭐️ David Quaid on 𝕏 - https://x.com/DavidGQuaid ⭐️ David Quaid on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidquaid/ ⭐️ David Quaid's agency - https://primaryposition.com/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:23 Thanksgiving and Community Thanks 00:56 Free SEO Tools Overview 01:04 Bing Webmaster Tools Deep Dive 02:46 Microsoft Clarity: Conversion Rate Optimization 05:26 SEO Scan Tool: Basics and Benefits 07:21 IndexNow and Keyword Research 10:37 Backlinks and Competitor Analysis 14:45 SEO Strategies and Fast Ranking 18:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #seotools #seoplatforms #digitalmarketing

E870: I sit down with Kai Cromwell to break down one of the most effective Shopify SEO strategies in use today. Kai specializes exclusively in Shopify SEO and shares the exact long-tail collection page strategy that drives bottom-of-funnel traffic and revenue fast - without waiting 6-12 months to rank for competitive terms. We cover: - Why long-tail transactional pages outperform high-volume keywords - How Kai builds 40+ SEO landing pages and gets them indexed immediately - Using AI (at scale) to generate collection content with brand accuracy - Internal linking structure and click-depth strategy for Shopify - How his team leverages Reddit with aged accounts for traffic, LLM visibility and reputation - Link building priorities (internal vs external) and when to switch tactics - His framework for enrichment using Search Console data - AI blacklist words, formatting tactics, custom prompts & Airtable scaling - Conversion considerations and CRO insights - If and how B2B SEO differs from B2C when prioritizing growth levers Whether you run a 7-9 figure brand or you're building something new, this conversation lays out a playbook you can apply immediately. ⭐️ Kai Cromwell on 𝕏 - https://x.com/KaiCromwell ⭐️ Kai Cromwell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-cromwell/ ⭐️ Kai Cromwell on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@searchkaicromwell ⭐️ Kai Cromwell's Shopify SEO Agency, New Seas - https://newseas.co/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Kai Cromwell and E-commerce SEO 00:56 Philosophy and Approach to SEO 02:41 Long Tail Collection Pages Strategy 09:29 Examples of Effective SEO Tactics 20:46 Using AI and Tools for SEO 29:23 Scaling SEO Efforts and Client Management 41:10 Reddit and Alternative SEO Strategies 42:20 Navigating Marketing Strategies on Reddit 42:48 Challenges and Solutions in SEO and IP Management 43:00 Leveraging Reddit for Agency Growth 45:21 Reputation Management and Ethical Considerations 47:24 Link Building Strategies and Best Practices 55:01 Internal Linking and Shopify SEO 01:01:50 Transitioning to Shopify and E-commerce SEO 01:05:39 Conversion Rate Optimization Insights 01:12:48 Content Strategies for E-commerce Brands 01:22:25 Future Vision and Agency Growth 01:24:38 Wrapping The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #shopifyseo #ecommerceseo #searchengineoptimization #ecommerce

E869: I break down a viral post from the SEO subreddit that perfectly explains how Google actually ranks pages. Forget the overcomplicated strategies, mystical topical maps, or black magic SEO tactics. Topical authority comes down to mechanical systems, user behavior, and relevance - nothing more. We cover: - Why every keyword puts you into a topical space - How every click you earn expands your topical authority footprint - Why pages, not domains, compete for rankings - How topical bridges help you grow into adjacent subjects - Why Google values utility over craftsmanship - The real role of backlinks, branded searches, and engagement - Why SEO is simple when you focus on mechanics over mythology Key Takeaways: - SEO isn't mysterious. It's based on observable mechanical signals - Topical authority = clicks + relevance across related queries - Google ranks page utility, not writing quality - Links, branded searches, and engagement send trust signals - Publishing within a tight topic beats chasing backlink counts - Adjacent topics grow by linking and writing in the right direction If you're tired of overthinking SEO and want real results, this episode will finally make it click. ⭐️ A Few Things That Finally Clicked About Authority, Topics, and How Google Actually Ranks Pages - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1p06nk4/a_few_things_that_finally_clicked_about_authority/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:28 Understanding Topical Authority 01:42 Page-Level Authority and Topical Bridges 03:18 Metrics and Practical Insights 04:41 Google's Content Evaluation 07:40 Simplifying SEO 08:30 Conclusion and Personal Insights The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #pagerank #topicalauthority #digitalmarketing

E868: We break down one of the most overlooked but essential drivers of search engine rankings: brand building. Modern SEO goes far beyond backlinks and keywords. Google, AI search, and LLMs reward strong brands with higher authority, better visibility, stronger trust signals, and noticeably improved rankings. If you want predictable organic traffic, high-quality backlinks, and long-term SEO results, building a real brand is the foundation. We cover why branding matters for SEO, how Google reads brand signals, why branded search is a ranking factor, and how recognition and trust improve click-through rates and link acquisition. You also get a clear system for building a brand that consistently drives SEO performance - starting from any level. What you'll learn: - Why brand building is now a core part of modern SEO - How branded search strengthens your backlink profile - How brand authority boosts rankings, engagement, and CTR - Why Google and AI search favor recognizable entities - How strong brands earn natural links and mentions - How to create and launch linkable assets that attract backlinks - The risks of weak branding in competitive search results - A simple framework for developing a durable brand - How to repurpose content to scale brand visibility - The consistency formula behind lasting SEO impact Let's go! ⭐️ My Exact Social Media Posting Strategy - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/social-media-posting-strategy/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Importance of Branding to SEO 03:33 Challenges of Not Having a Brand 04:47 What Does Building a Brand Mean? 06:04 How to Develop a Brand 08:30 Consistency and Long-Term Commitment 09:36 Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #branding #generativeengineoptimization #answerengineoptimization

E867: A common SEO mistake: placing every page directly off the root domain. You'll learn why proper subfolder structure matters for user experience, analytics, link building, topical authority, and long-term scalability. This walkthrough covers practical examples, how subfolders concentrate authority, and why they make it easier to grow and audit large sites. If you want to improve your information architecture, strengthen your rankings, and get more paying customers, this episode provides a clear framework for structuring URLs the right way. What you'll learn: - Why flat URL structures confuse search engines and weaken topical authority - How subfolders improve information architecture and long-term scalability - How to structure URLs for blogs, services, and large content libraries - How subfolders make analytics filtering and content audits dramatically easier - How subfolder-level backlinks concentrate authority and improve keyword rankings - How link equity (link juice) flows differently in subfolders vs. root-level URLs - Why proper URL hierarchy improves user navigation and content discovery - How to increase niche authority using targeted subfolder link building - The impact of subfolders on crawling efficiency and ranking signals - Examples of high-performing SEO URL structures for service pages, blogs, and SaaS This is a clear framework for structuring URLs correctly so your site scales, ranks faster, and builds authority in your niche. 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 The Common SEO Mistake 00:58 Why Subfolders are Better 01:38 User Experience Benefits of Subfolders 02:58 Analytics Advantages of Subfolders 03:36 SEO Benefits of Subfolders 05:04 Building Links and Topical Authority 07:43 Review 08:27 Wrap The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #informationarchitecture #technicalseo #backlinks

E866: A simple but overlooked SEO tactic: using modifiers to turn low-volume keywords into very, veryyyy high-value buyers. By adding targeted modifiers like "for schools," "for government employees," or "for enterprise teams," you move deeper down the funnel and reach groups that represent larger purchase orders and higher-quality leads. You'll learn: - Why zero-volume keywords can be incredibly lucrative - How to create modified landing pages that rank with minimal competition - How to pair SEO pages with user-generated content across YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more - The key modifiers that consistently unlock high-leverage traffic ⭐️ Easy SEO to Get Big Purchase Orders - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/easy-seo-big-purchase-orders/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Modifiers 00:14 Examples of Effective Modifiers 00:22 Targeting Lucrative Groups 01:12 Creating Niche Landing Pages 03:35 Leveraging Social Media for SEO 04:34 Top Clicked Sites and Content Strategy 06:00 Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #seotips #inboundmarketing #marketingstrategy

E865: A new and growing issue in digital marketing is emerging: black hat AI SEO and the use of fake, AI-generated negative review articles to manipulate how large language models describe a brand. A Reddit post describes a case where a competitor allegedly purchased a black hat AI SEO service that published false review content across multiple low-quality websites. As a result, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and other LLMs began repeating incorrect, damaging information about the company. I explain how this happens, why LLMs pick up misleading sources, how query modification and query fanouts work, and what you can do to protect a brand when this type of AI manipulation occurs. Topics covered in detail: - How black hat AI SEO services generate and distribute fabricated negative reviews - How LLMs source information and why they may cite low-quality or false articles - Why the queries an LLM uses are often different from the user's original question - How to view ChatGPT's real search queries through inspection tools - What a query fanout is and how multiple related searches affect AI outputs - How to identify the exact keywords and queries an LLM is using around your brand - How to publish content that ranks for those modified queries - When burying negative content is more realistic than removal - How to dispute reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Clutch, and Google Business Profile - How Google's "Report Negative Review Extortion Scams" tool works - Long-term strategies for protecting brand reputation in AI search environments - Legal considerations surrounding defamation and online attacks ⭐️ The Reddit Thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/AISEOforBeginners/comments/1ok5j0w/black_hat_ai_seo_is_here_how_do_you_fight_back/ ⭐️ SEO Pub's Query Fanout Extractor - https://theseopub.com/updated-chatgpt-search-query-reasoning-extractor-bookmarklet/ ⭐️ Report negative Google Business Profile Reviews - https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en ⭐️ Report negative Trustpilot Reviews - https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en ⭐️ Report negative Clutch Reviews - https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Black Hat AI SEO Attack 02:11 Expert Insights: WebLinkrs Take 03:37 Understanding Query Fanouts 05:26 Practical Solutions and Tools 06:41 Dealing with Negative Reviews 09:48 Long-Term Strategies The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #answerengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #reputationmanagement #searchengineoptimization

E864: I break down the European Commission's new antitrust investigation into Google's enforcement of its site reputation abuse and anti-parasite SEO policies. The investigation focuses on whether Google is demoting news publishers and media companies that host third-party commercial content. I walk through what parasite SEO is, why publishers like Forbes were hit by Google's policy changes, how Google is justifying its anti-spam actions, and why many SEOs believe the EU's investigation is misguided. I also look at organic traffic data, examples of parasite SEO still getting through, and the difference between obvious and less obvious parasite SEO tactics. I explain how "accidental" parasite SEO happens when brands improve their product, earn word of mouth, and build a strong presence across social platforms and communities. I also outline the fundamentals of long-term SEO strategy and how intent-driven keywords reliably bring in customers who are already looking for exactly what a business offers. This episode covers the perspectives shared by Lars Lofgren, Jacky Chou, and Charles Floate, Google's official response from Pandu Nayak, and what this conflict means for publishers, SEOs, and search quality going forward. This episode covers: - What parasite SEO is and why it became widespread - How publishers like Forbes were affected by Google's enforcement - Why Google says its anti-spam actions are necessary - Why many SEOs believe the EU's investigation is misguided - Examples of parasite SEO that still get through - The difference between obvious and less obvious parasite SEO tactics - How "accidental" parasite SEO happens through genuine brand growth - The fundamentals of long-term SEO strategy - How intent-driven keywords bring in high-intent customers - Traffic data and trends showing how enforcement impacted major publishers - Reactions and perspectives from Lars Lofgren, Jacky Chou, and Charles Floate - What this conflict means for publishers, SEOs, and the future of search quality ⭐️ Lars Lofgren's post - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7394851152628137984/ ⭐️ Jacky Chou post - https://x.com/indexsy/status/1989140769161248880 ⭐️ Charles Floate post - https://x.com/Charles_SEO/status/1989188855459922202 ⭐️ Google's post from Pandu Nayak - https://blog.google/inside-google/company-announcements/defending-search-users-from-parasite-seo-spam/ ⭐️ "Forbes, CNN, and More Lose Millions as New Google Policy Tanks Affiliate Businesseses" - https://www.adweek.com/media/cnn-forbes-lose-millions-google-seo-policy/ ⭐️ Pareto SEO: The 20% of SEO That Matters - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/pareto-seo 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Context 00:47 Understanding Parasite SEO 01:28 Google's Stance and EU Investigation 02:47 Examples and Evidence of Parasite SEO 06:45 Discussion on SEO Practices 09:02 Takeaways 14:56 Conclusion and Sign Off The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #parasiteseo #googleupdate #digitalmarketingnews

E683: LinkedIn is exploding - and few people are talking about it. I break down why LinkedIn is quietly becoming the biggest growth opportunity on the internet, how creators with "dead" accounts are getting tens of thousands of impressions in days, and the posting strategy that took my own LinkedIn reach from 250K to 300K impressions in a day. We get into: - Why daily posting on LinkedIn is being massively rewarded - How to repurpose content from 𝕏, TikTok, and Instagram for fast results - The power of top-of-mind awareness (and why LinkedIn is perfect for it) - How LinkedIn boosts linkable assets, studies, and announcements - How automation kills your reach - and what to do instead - The easiest way to stand out: stop writing like a corporate robot - How LinkedIn gets a massive amount of clicks from Google search If you're in SEO, marketing, or you run any kind of business, you cannot ignore what's happening on LinkedIn right now. This breaks down exactly how to take advantage of organic LinkedIn before the window closes. ⭐️ My LinkedIn posts - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-sturm/recent-activity/all/ ⭐️ My exact social media posting strategy -  https://edwardsturm.com/articles/my-exact-social-media-posting-strategy/ ⭐️ State of Search Q3 2025: Behaviors, Trends, and Clicks Across the US & Europe - https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q3-2025/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 The Biggest Opportunity on the Internet Right Now 00:26 Tomek's LinkedIn Experiment 01:04 My LinkedIn Posting Strategy 04:16 Achieving Top of Mind Awareness Like a Friggin Champion 05:39 Launching Linkable Assets on LinkedIn 07:35 Manual Posting vs. Automation 10:12 Why LinkedIn is Popping Right Now 10:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily digital marketing podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #linkedinmarketing #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing #searchengineoptimization

E862: Mordy Oberstein - former Head of Communications at Semrush and Former SEO Brand Advisor at Wix - joins Edward to talk about why brand is becoming the most important SEO signal heading into 2026 and why AI won't replace great marketing anytime soon. Mordy and Edward go deep on: - Why branded searches, authority, and trust influence keywords, backlinks, and AI visibility - How AI overviews and LLMs are changing the search landscape - What Google's AI Mode really means for businesses and if it will stick - The future of affiliate and top-of-funnel SEO - The biggest SEO wins and losses of 2025 - How to build a brand that compounds over time - A trick for getting into sought-after SEO conferences Whether you're an SEO, marketer, or founder, this episode will help you understand what really matters for ranking, visibility, and brand growth in the AI era. ⭐️ Mordy Oberstein on X - https://x.com/MordyOberstein ⭐️ Mordy Oberstein on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mordyoberstein/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:37 Mordy's Career 03:30 Branding and Marketing Tactics 07:09 AI and SEO Predictions 12:51 Debate on AI Mode and Trustworthiness 17:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections 32:15 The Reality of Generative AI 32:55 Blockchain and AI: A Comparison 33:52 The AI Bubble and Investor Behavior 35:18 The Future of SEO in an AI-Driven World 39:00 Brand Building and Marketing Strategies 42:19 The Impact of AI on Affiliate Marketing 55:00 SEO Tools and Industry Changes 01:04:36 Identifying the Problem in SEO 01:04:48 Crazy Opportunities in SEO 01:05:30 The Importance of Brand Visibility 01:09:18 Starting a New Brand: Key Considerations 01:15:37 Building Links and Partnerships 01:19:09 Content Strategy and Social Media Presence 01:30:19 SEO Wins and AI in Finance 01:34:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #answerengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E861: Google just expanded Opal, its no-code automation tool, to 160+ countries, and the SEO world is not happy. Opal is being promoted as a tool to generate scalable content… despite Google having a highly-cited Scaled Content Abuse policy. We break down the contradiction, the backlash, and how real creators are being impacted. We also talk about Chrisy | Homemade Hooplah's story - a blogger who lost her traffic and livelihood to AI-generated copycat content - and why this moment feels like a turning point for the web. Topics in this episode: - What Google's Opal is and how Google recommends using it - Google's Scaled Content Abuse policy - Why the SEO community is frustrated - The real harm happening to human creators - How to approach SEO from first principles (and avoid getting penalized) If you create content, run a blog, or care about the future of the Internet, this one matters. ⭐️ Nate's post - https://x.com/natejhake/status/1986607211766833636 ⭐️ Nate's 2nd post - https://x.com/natejhake/status/1986840216166896032 ⭐️ Chrisy's story - https://x.com/homemadehooplah/status/1986180290944114878 ⭐️ Opal is now available in more than 160 countries - https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/opal-expansion-160/ ⭐️ Google response - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7393744599950917632/ ⭐️ Google's Scaled Content Abuse Policy - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Google's AI Spam Machine 00:31 Overview of Google's Opal 00:46 Examples of Opal's Applications 01:29 Scaled Content Abuse Policy 03:19 Community Reactions and Concerns 05:13 Google's Response and Speculations 06:58 SEO Best Practices 10:39 Conclusion and Episode Wrap-Up The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #scaledcontentabuse #searchengineoptimization #helpfulcontentupdate #digitalmarketing